2026 Riddle Mountain Emergency Wild Horse Gather
Purpose of Gather:
Last month, the Bald Mountain Fire burned through the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area, which was already showing a lack of forage due to ongoing drought.
The Bureau of Land Management plans an emergency operation to rescue wild horses from the herd whose health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages. The animals' survival is compromised by a lack of resources due to an especially dry winter and recent wildfires.
Details of Gather:
The BLM will transport the rescued horses to off-range holding facilities, where they will receive veterinary evaluations, appropriate care, high-quality feed, and continuous access to fresh water. The facilities provide ample space that meets established agency standards.
Public Observation:
Media and the public can view the first two days of operations, provided that doing so does not disrupt operations or jeopardize the safety of the animals or staff. BLM staff will escort the public to gather observation sites located on public lands. Observation is available by reservation only and is limited to 10-15 people per viewing day. Reservations will be accepted by email only at [email protected] and must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on the prior business day. Phone and voicemail reservations will not be accepted.
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the email date and time received. Participants will receive confirmation by 9 p.m., including meeting times, locations, and additional instructions. Media and public participants should generally plan to meet near Burns, between 4:30 and 6 a.m. for caravanning to the site. Participants must receive confirmation before attending. Viewing opportunities may change or be canceled on short notice because of weather, changing gather locations, safety concerns, or other operational needs.
Adoption Information:
Once they have been evaluated and are ready, some of the horses may be available for adoption through the BLM Online Corral.
Background:
Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area is located 50 air miles southeast from Burns, Oregon and is southeast, and adjacent, to Riddle Mountain. Topography varies from gently rolling hills to steep slopes and buttes with broad valleys. Horses in this herd vary in color from dun, grulla, buckin and variations of these colors including dorsal and zebra stripes.
- Daily Gather Reports
September 9, 2026
Animals Gathered: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Released: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
- Sudden / Acute: 0
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
News
Gather Status
This gather will begin on or about September 9, 2026.
Animals Gathered: 0
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Released
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
-Sudden / Acute: 0
-Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Scroll to the bottom of this gather page for detailed “Daily Gather Reports."